cat magazine 2013 issue 2

24
CAT ® CONCIERGE A NEW WAVE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE PORT OF ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS CAT ® SUPPORT EQUIPMENT GETS A LIFT THE NEW CAT ® 986H BRINGING BACK A FAVORITE ISSUE 2 2013 WWW.CAT.COM

Upload: mohamed-abdulrahman-al-bahar

Post on 05-Jul-2015

204 views

Category:

Business


6 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

CAT® CONCIERGEA NEW WAVE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

PORT OF ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

CAT® SUPPORT EQUIPMENT GETS A LIFT

THE NEW CAT® 986HBRINGING BACK A FAVORITE

ISSUE 2 2013 WWW.CAT.COM

Page 2: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2
Page 3: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

CCOLOPHON:Above is just a taste of what’s in this issue – you’ll find plenty more news and views inside. If you have an idea for a story for a future issue, contact our publishers at [email protected]

Cat Magazine is distributed by Cat dealers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and CIS three times per year. Please send your editorial correspondence to Cat Magazine, Caterpillar S.A.R.L. 76, Route de Frontenex, PO box 6000, 1211 Geneva 6, Switzerland. [email protected]. All rights reserved. ©2013 Caterpillar.

PUBLISHER: Gregory Maricou, Caterpillar S.A.R.L. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Laetitia Baudrion, Caterpillar S.A.R.L. DEALER CO-ORDINATION: Anneloes de Jong CHIEF WRITER: Trevor Baker ART DIRECTION: Ron Strik, Karen Bouten CONCEPT & REALIZATION: Centigrade for Caterpillar S.A.R.L. www.centigrade.com LOCAL DEALER CONTACT: MOHAMED ABDULRAHMAN AL-BAHAR Sharika Rohit([email protected])

ON-SITE SUCCESS

04CAT® EQUIPMENT HELPS SYNCHRONIZE PORT OPERATIONSManaging 60 million tonnes of iron ore and coal

14CAT REBUILD SOLUTIONS REJUVENATE CARRIÈRES DE TRAPP QUARRY FLEETBuilt to perform like new

INNOVATIONS IN MOTION

08CAT CONCIERGE, A CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THE WATERTaking the owner experience to the next level

11STAGE TWO: THE COLDEST JOURNEY ON EARTH IS UNDERWAYWe cover the extensive modifications on two D6N

16EJECTOR TRUCKS PROVE THEIR WORTHHeavy, sticky materials have met their match

20THE CAT 986H, A LEGACY REBORNCaterpillar responds to the needs of the AME/CIS regions

FORWARD THINKING

18AWARD-WINNING EQUIPMENTCaterpillar is honored eight times in 2012

22OPERATOR TIPSWe talk paving machines and safety

ContentsWe would like to introduce Nigel Lewis, the new Caterpillar Distribution Services Division Vice President for Europe, Africa, Middle East (EAME) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Nigel took over from Paolo Fellin, January 1, 2013.

DEAR READER,Customers rely on Caterpillar and our dealer partners every day for solutions to the challenges they face. Regardless of location, from the Arctic to Mozambique, our customers trust that these partnerships have the capabilities to help them succeed, often in the most challenging situations. This trust has helped produce many innovations throughout our history. This edition of Cat® Magazine highlights several of the latest that we are excited to introduce to you. As I look forward, I see the demand for innovation growing stronger in EAME. Technology is driving change at a fast pace in every industry we serve. I call it “21st Century Distribution” and I have confidence in how the Cat team is responding. In future editions of Cat Magazine, I look forward to sharing more pioneering products and services that are being created to help our customers succeed in this new world. In the meantime, my thanks to you all for your partnership and dedication. I wish you every success for the rest of 2013.

Sudhir TripathiMarketing Manager

16 04

08 11

Cat® Magazine 3

Page 4: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

CAT® EQUIPMENT HELPS SYNCHRONIZE PORT OPERATIONS

This 160-hectare facility operates 24/7. It’s been in operation at Maasvlakte at the port of Rotterdam in The Netherlands since 1973.

THE NUMBERS BEHIND EMOEMO’s state-of-the-art facility welcomes vessels of up to 400,000 tonnes, thanks to the 23-meter-deep waterway that’s connected to the North Sea. Here are some other impressive facts and figures about Europe’s largest dry bulk transshipment terminal.

• EMO can unload up to 200,000 tonnes of material a day• Discharge capacity is 42 million tonnes and throughput is 60 million tonnes

• Storage capacity equals 7 million tonnes• A 47-km conveyor system connects the entire facility• Two 50-tonne and three 85-tonne unloaders offload ships• Turnover is about €146 million per year• EMO employs about 400 people on this site

CONSTANT IMPROVEMENTMassive throughput and storage capacity mean massive responsibilities. EMO is under constant improvement, whether it’s efficiency, safety, cleanliness or capacity.

Some recent, and current, projects include:

Conveyor belt system and operations centerEMO’s 47-km conveyor system transports all the coal and iron ore. This one, facility-wide system connects discharge, loading, storage and equipment. A new operations center was created to oversee the workflow and designed to expand when needed.

A fifth unloaderTo increase the site’s average offload capacity to the current 200,000 tonnes a day, a third, 85-tonne unloader was put to work.

x

If you’re piloting a mammoth, dry bulk carrier ship full of iron ore or coal toward Europe, you’re most likely headed to one place, EMO. EMO, which stands for Europees Massagoed-Overslagbedrijf in Dutch, or European Bulk Transshipment Company, handles coal and iron ore exclusively.

x

4 Cat® Magazine

Page 5: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

Cat® Magazine 5

Page 6: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

Coal wagon loaderEMO also added a second, automated coal wagon loader that, together with the first, can fill 16 train cars per day. It provides direct access to the European rail network.

“We always have the latest equipment, software and methodologies. We also talk with clients about what they need,” said Aad van Bodegom, EMO Service Manager. “Then we make sure we have what’s needed to get the job done, including heavy equipment like Cat® machines.”

CAT EQUIPMENT AT EMOThere are 29 Cat machines on site, including large and medium wheel loaders, wheeled excavators, track-type tractors, excavators, dump trucks and skid steer loaders. Each plays an

intricate role in day-to-day operations. They keep the facility clean, unload ships, maintain stockpiles and reload trains.

Unloading shipsThe ships that dock at EMO can have a 400,000-tonne payload. Unloading that amount of material can take up to three days. So to save time, the innovative port, along with partner and

Cat dealer Pon Equipment, developed an alternative, timesaving method.

First, an enormous unloader, equipped with a 50- or 85-tonne grapple, unloads as much material as it efficiently can. Then, rather than driving a 966 into the ship’s hold to clean up remaining material, the grapple is removed so the wheel loader can be attached to the unloader and hoisted into the ship.

To lift the nearly 35,000 kg machines, cab exteriors were modified and reinforced so

the 966 could be raised using two lifting points. According to Pon, this is the only method of its kind in the world. Once inside, a 966 thoroughly cleans the ship’s hold and gathers remaining material to the center where it’s picked up by the grapple.

EMO and Pon found this method reduces work time by about 10 minutes per hold, or one hour per ship. That might not sound

like much, but when you’re offloading 30 million tonnes each year, like EMO did in 2012, the time saved adds up.

Clean up dutySkid steer loaders clean up material, such as coal, around the conveyor system. A wheeled excavator then loads the coal into a Cat 725 articulated truck. Finally, after screening and washing (up to 3,000 tonnes per day), the coal is transported to the appropriate stockpile.

Working the stockpilesTrack-type tractors, such as the D8 and D8T, handle mountains of iron ore and coal. It’s arduous work. And while the equipment is certainly hearty, modifications were needed. Additional lights were installed for better visibility, steel bars protect radiators and extra filters shield internal machine parts from the extremely dusty conditions.

WORKING PARTNERSEMO and Pon Equipment have been working together for about 35 years. “I think the reason our relationship has lasted is because of the service Pon provides,” said Aad. “We choose Cat machines because they are reliable,

EMO’s state-of-the-art facility welcomes vessels of up to 400,000 tonnes.

1. A Cat® wheel loader compacts coal, to help prevent spontaneous combustion.

2. A skid steer loader cleans up material that has fallen from the conveyor system.

3. One of several track-type tractors that work the EMO stockpiles.

4. Using a modified, reinforced cab exterior, a 966 is hoisted into a dry bulk carrier ship.

5. Aad van Bodegom, EMO Service Manager.

6 Cat® Magazine

Page 7: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

easy to service and just all around good machines. Together it’s a perfect fit.”

And when it comes to servicing machines, Pon has a mechanic on site every day. “All maintenance, service and repairs are done in our five service bays. Caterpillar is tops with service, 24/7. We call and they come. Other manufacturers just don’t respond like that. We’ve tried it, and they are not reactive like Pon,” Aad confidently said.

He also went on to say that parts are delivered in 24 to 72 hours, depending on the part and its location. Aad says, “We have very dusty conditions here so we service the machines, filters and fluids every 500 hours. But as far as parts go, we usually need hydraulics, cylinders and hoses. Our machines work hard, with heavy loads and perform a lot of repeat motions.” They also work long hours. Operations are non-stop at EMO, and machines can work five shifts a day.

Pon also works with EMO to increase machine reliability and help prevent the need to order new parts. “They think with us, whether it’s adding a protective bar or making €50,000 to €60,000 worth of machine modifications. They’re more than just a supplier,” said Aad.

INDUSTRY CHALLENGESPerhaps the biggest industrial challenges for EMO are environment regulations. The facility does everything possible to minimize environmental impact. “We’ve implemented extensive measures to be as environmentally responsible as possible. Cat machines help us because they are fuel-efficient, productive and the

Tier III and IV engines meet emission reduction standards,” said Aad.

When asked about growth, Aad says EMO is close to capacity. “We’re pulling about 32 million tonnes right now. That’s about right for the equipment we have. We’ll add a few Cat machines. But what’s most important is having the right machines.” To create the ideal machine-to-workload ratio, EMO works directly with Pon. “We meet in person and discuss what would be the ideal combination.”

The entire EMO operation is a highly complex, yet well-run operation. Thanks to a forward-looking mindset, a supplier that’s more of a partner and ongoing customer communications, EMO is a perfect example of how a transshipment terminal of this size can run like a tight ship. ■

Learn more at: www.uk.cat.com/equipment

Cat® Magazine 7

Page 8: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

THE BUSINESS OF CUSTOMER SERVICECat® Concierge started out as a small program run through one dealer and one Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). It was launched after the introduction of the Cat C32 diesel marine engine. The goal was simple; improve customer satisfaction for private pleasure craft owners. Today, the service has an impressive list of customers, including Chris Gates, Managing Director of Princess Yachts International, who is an avid believer in the program.

“Like most new product introductions, there were certain challenges. We needed a tool to help maintain customer relationships and sales, and the Cat Concierge was born,” said David Shannon, Global Pleasure Craft Manager.

The potential for improved customer loyalty with OEMs, yacht brokers and yacht owners was apparent. As a result, Nigel Parkinson, Managing Director of Caterpillar Marine Power Systems, decided to take the program global. “We recognized that our customer experience has

a knock on effect for OEM dealers, Cat dealers, OEM manufacturers and, naturally, Caterpillar sales,” said Nigel.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?Any yacht purchased from a participating OEM that is powered by a Cat marine engine is eligible. It’s that simple. The service is free for five years as part of the Caterpillar two-plus-three warranty – a full two-year warranty, plus a three-year limited warranty. It doesn’t matter if the vessel is 40 feet long or 120 feet long.

The customer receives a Cat Concierge card with the Cat engine’s serial numbers and regional contact numbers on it. This gives owners global access to the service. During the yacht’s life, the owner may need to make a general inquiry, report an emergency, resolve a technical problem or schedule maintenance. One call to Cat Concierge takes care of it all.

Caterpillar strategically placed three main locations around the globe (Singapore, Germany and the USA) with a core

Cat® Concierge office locations:Beaufort, USAHamburg, GermanySingapore

CAT® CONCIERGEA CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THE WATER

At luxury hotels, a concierge helps ensure a guest’s stay is a pleasant, memorable one. With one call, the concierge can arrange dinner reservations or acquire hard-to-find concert tickets. But what do you do if the Cat® marine engine on your 100-foot yacht needs maintenance? You call the Cat Concierge, of course.

8 Cat® Magazine

Page 9: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

team of three people, one in each location. That might seem small, but an extended, dedicated team of specialists helps support each center. Customer service is provided 24/7.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE CUSTOMERAs part of Cat Concierge, customers are relieved from having to arrange and manage service appointments or maintenance. “Normally, a customer might make a few calls to schedule and have a service performed. With Cat Concierge, one call takes care of everything from beginning to end,” said Shane Wright, Global Concierge Manager. The service also provides regular progress reports, so customers are always up-to-date about the status of their vessel.

Other service benefits are the complimentary First Owner Sea Trial and orientation. During a First Owner Sea Trial, Cat engines are run at different revolutions per minute to measure engine and ship performance

together. With the customer on board and involved with the 2.5-hour trial (for each engine), the owner comes away with a better understanding of the vessel’s capabilities.

The First Owner Sea Trial also includes an orientation to familiarize owners with their Cat engine and related equipment. Technicians cover different engine components and systems, which oils to use, maintenance schedules and proper day-to-day operation, among other important topics.

Cat Concierge is much more than a premier service, however. Even when not taking advantage of its benefits, customers have peace of mind should a need arise – from anywhere in the world and at any time.

CHALLENGESCat Concierge has been operating globally since May 2012. “We took a step-by-step approach to establishing

Chris Gates, Managing Director of Princess Yachts International

Cat® Magazine 9

Page 10: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

ourselves worldwide. Probably the biggest challenge was understanding different requirements and expectations from customers all over the world,” said Shane.

To help resolve those challenges, the program opted for locations in three different time zones, rather than one, central European location. And when it comes to staff, Cat Concierge prefers to hire local people who have excellent product insight and knowledge. They also need to understand the nuances behind procedures and minimize downtime for customers.

That’s impressive, especially if you consider that the service handled more than 400 projects in 2012 – some of which involved arranging to have parts flown thousands of miles. “When you get right down

to it, Cat Concierge is all about customer service. Luckily, we’ve had few real challenges when it comes to completing projects,” Shane said confidently.

GOING COMMERCIALWith the success of Cat Concierge for private pleasure craft, the service is being extended to commercial vessels. “People on the commercial side learned about Cat Concierge and have asked for a program that’s suited for them,” said Shane. “The difference is that we’d be dealing with fleet owners, like a port authority with 100 or 200 vessels, rather than individual, private owners.” Caterpillar just completed a workshop to adapt the process for key accounts in the commercial marine segment. This process will be piloted with two or three key accounts later in 2013.

COMPETITIVE OFFERSCat Concierge is the global leader and only supplier with this level and quality of service. It’s also a big differentiator for Caterpillar. With Cat Concierge, OEMs know customers will have outstanding support and a great experience, which equates to additional sales opportunities. “The Cat Concierge programme is something we have been strong

supporters of since its conception. It perfectly reflects our own customer service philosophy and complements our aftersales operation in all markets,” said Chris.

With high customer expectations, the Cat Concierge team stays busy. During the Global Superyacht Forum 2012 in Amsterdam, Jim Ruffolo, President/CEO of Burger Yachts, stated that the service monitors vessel engines 100 percent of the time. He added that the service has deployed engineers to investigate alarms and fix issues, well before becoming problems.

In fact, in most cases, the service can have a dealer technician on a vessel within 48 hours (or less) of being notified, no matter how remote the location. Cat Concierge is truly a testament to the renowned Caterpillar customer service. ■

Read more at: marine.cat.com

For a customer in Corfu, Greece, Cat® Concierge received an email from Aqua Marina (an Israeli yacht dealer) about engine problems on a private Princess yacht. Cat Concierge responded by calling Eltrak (the Cat dealer in Greece) to create a service request. The next day, a Caterpillar technician was on location to conduct an inspection. The ship’s owner, however, preferred to postpone the inspection two days as it was more convenient. To perform the necessary repairs, the ship had to be put in dry dock.

Meanwhile, the Cat Concierge team contacted Cat dealer Finning to arrange a parts shipment. Soon, the parts, including a piston cooling jet, arrived in Corfu from the USA. To complete the repair, mechanics worked during a national Greek holiday with Cat Concierge assuring them the extra time would be covered.

Overall, a major engine re-build was completed in 12 days after the email notification of engine problems. Cat Concierge received a thank-you email stating that the service team had, “an impossible mission you made possible.” The customer also ordered his next yacht, including Cat Concierge and Cat engines, after the successful repair.

SUCCESS STORY IN GREECE

“It perfectly reflects our own customer service philosophy...”Chris Gates, Managing Director of Princess Yachts International

A Cat® marine engine installed on a Princess Yacht.

10 Cat® Magazine

Page 11: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

INNOVATIONS IN MOTION

This is the second article in a series covering The Coldest Journey On Earth. In the first, we talked about expedition preparations. Now, with the journey already underway, we’ll focus on the modifications that will help two Cat® D6N complete the six-month, 2,000-mile crossing as well as maintenance specifics to ensure machine uptime.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINSMarch 21, 2013. That was the date The Coldest Journey On Earth’s six-person expedition team began the first leg of their courageous journey across Antarctica. Lead by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, they began at Russian base Novolazarevskaya and over 84 days will cover close to 1,400 miles to the geographic South Pole. Of those days, 63 will be spent traversing and 21 are planned for rest, research and maintenance or repairs on the two D6N.

Towing the team’s supplies and equipment, each D6N started out pulling about 75 tonnes, including a caboose, storage and fuel sled. The machines can

handle the weight, but because temperatures can reach -70°C, specialized modifications were necessary.

THE MODIFICATIONSSir Ranulph Fiennes put his trust in Finning UK to make the tractors Antarctic-ready. More than three years and countless man-hours were needed to research, engineer and re-build the two D6N. There are literally hundreds of modifications, including everything from small valves to replacing rubber seals with silicon seals and fitting jackets over hydraulics. Even the smallest malfunction can mean disaster. Here are some highlights.

THE COLDESTJOURNEY ON EARTHGETS UNDERWAY

The second D6N is lowered onto the ice shelf at Crown Bay, Antarctica. The D6N are just under the crane’s 25-tonne lifting capacity.

STAGE TWO

Cat® Magazine 11

Page 12: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

When supplied by Caterpillar, each of the Antarctic D6N LGP, with heavy-duty undercarriage, weighed about 17 tonnes and were worth about €185,000. With modifications, additional equipment and man-hours, they are now worth about €1.2 million each and weigh 22.5 tonnes.

TECHNICAL CHALLENGESBesides modifications, there were countless other technical challenges to tackle, including which spare parts should be taken and how fuel and lubricants would perform in the cold.

The fuel: Each D6N 300-liter tank is refilled, as needed, each day. But even specially treated diesel freezes in Antarctic temperatures. Thus, the machines use Jet A1 FSII, a jet fuel with an ice inhibitor so it can remain liquid down to -75° C.

To complete the crossing, 14 insulated, 8,000-liter, double-walled fuel bladders are needed. That’s 112,000 liters, enough for 280 days. Each bladder takes about 20 days to empty.

Spare parts: Because of weight limitations, lighter parts, such as internal and external hoses, were brought in favor of heavier parts. “We’re bringing 30 oil filters of all types for our

SOME OF THE MAJOR D6N MODIFICATIONS

250-hour preventative maintenance regime,” said Spencer Smirl, the expedition’s Lead Operator and Lead Technician.

The list also includes fuel system components. “Aviation fuel lacks lubricity, so some moving components will tend to fail prematurely.” And, since jet fuel burns much hotter than diesel, we included extra exhaust system components.

Hydraulics and fluids: There are also plenty of spare hydraulic valve components, including hydraulic and lubricating oils. “We won’t have the capability to properly remove system contaminants. Having an abundance of these components means the machines can self-flush their systems,” said Spencer.

The Caterpillar recommended DEO 0W-40 synthetic engine oil is expected to perform normally at temperatures down to -40° C. Still, oil lines are insulated and the reservoir is heated. An additional 320 liters of oil and 2,640 liters of Cat® Transmission oil (TDTO 0W-20) are also on board.

Lack of sunlight: Much of the journey is in complete darkness. That’s not worrying Expedition Engineer Richmond Dykes. “It will be just like working a very long

Insulated roof hatch for both entry and emergency exits, in case doors are unable to be opened.

Thermal cover, a heavily insulated “tent” deployed over the D6N at night for maintenance, repairs and refueling. Underneath, a 40 to 50° C temperature difference can be maintained.

Grouser bars were increased 60 mm and 260 tungsten-tipped ice spikes can be added to each machine for extremely slick terrain.

Ground-penetrating radar (not shown) is attached to a forward, nine-meter boom to help detect deadly crevasses.

A first-of-its-kind crevasse arm (with a three-tonne lifting capacity) to help the machines cross crevasses.

Each D6N has four glass mat gel batteries (opposite side, above and behind the left track), two for ignition and two auxiliaries.

Four lifting eyes to hoist the tractors on and off the SA Agulhas.The D6N are just under the 25-tonne lifting capacity of the ship’s crane.

12 Cat® Magazine

Page 13: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

Expedition Engineer Richmond Dykes (l) and Lead Operator, Lead Technician Spencer Smirl.

night shift. We’ll take vitamin D supplements and use ultraviolet lights to help keep our skin healthy.”

THE CABOOSESThe D6N are towing two cabooses. The team eats and sleeps in one, while the other houses scientific equipment and workshops. Even though each can be heated, the team will wear specially engineered and heated clothing. This is vital for survival. And, in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a “proper” shower and bathroom.

KEEPING THE D6N RUNNINGBecause of the extreme temperatures, the engineers will follow a strict, daily warm up regiment to reduce thermal shock to the machines. The procedure can take two to

three hours, but could save repair time, and very possibly, their lives. “We installed a Wabasto heat exchanger to slowly warm up all our fluid systems before start-up,” said Spencer. Several other measures have also been taken.

Inspections/Maintenance: Fan belt tension and battery cable contacts will be checked daily. Each week, Electronic Technician will be used to assess and re-calibrate transmission clutch pressures and detect wear.

System-wide oil changes will be performed as per Caterpillar guidelines. Also, every lubricant filter will be cut open and inspected at 250 hours. “We can determine oil quality by analyzing the smell, color and contamination.

From there, I know how much past the recommended service life we can operate,” added Spencer.

Given the possibilities of what could happen, Spencer remains confident. He does have one fear though. “Not being able to successfully reach the finish line with the parts and tools we chose is likely my biggest fear. I’d feel as if I let Finning and Caterpillar down with the world watching. This is a fantastic opportunity to show that a Cat machine with Finning modifications and support can successfully survive any task on the planet. Hopefully, Richmond and I can deliver that result.” ■

Read more at: www.uk.cat.com/coldest-journey

His Royal Highness Prince Charles shares a lighthearted moment with Expedition Leader Sir Ranulph Fiennes in London, December 6.

...even specially treated diesel freezes in Antarctic temperatures.

DECEMBER 2012In early December, the SA Agulhas left London for Cape Town, South Africa. The ship and team arrived December 28.

JANUARY 2013The team left Cape Town for Crown Bay, in eastern Antarctica on January 7. At this basecamp, about two monthis will be spent testing equipment and on other preparations.

MARCH 2013The official beginning of the traverse was scheduled for March 21. About 84 days lter, the Ice Team should reach the Geographic South Pole.

Cat® Magazine 13

Page 14: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

CAT® REBUILD SOLUTIONSREJUVENATE CARRIÈRES DE TRAPP QUARRY FLEET

Across the world, recycling is common practice. Restoring Cat® equipment to like-new condition takes a similar approach through Cat rebuild programs. For example, during a Cat Certified Rebuild, about 7,000 parts are repaired, replaced or reconditioned. Even the machine’s frame can be recycled so the rebuilt piece of equipment is as tough as the day it rolled off the assembly line.

“For all intents and purposes, these are new machines.”Bruno Munier, Equipment Manager for the East of France at Colas Group

ON-SITE SUCCESS

The three-pronged program offers different rebuild levels:• Certified Powertrain: a powertrain rebuild only

• Certified Powertrain + (CPT+): a powertrain rebuild, plus additional component rebuilds per the customer’s specifications

• Cat® Certified Rebuild (CCR): a complete rebuild from the ground up

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROGRAMThat brings us to Colas East, a subsidiary of Colas. Even though the company’s mainstay is road building, it owns nearly 40 quarries in East France. A fleet of 150 active machines (45 percent of which are Caterpillar) helps to extract more aggregate than any other company in the region, in terms of volume.

“The work is tough, demanding and unforgiving. Our equipment clocks 14 to 16 hours each day,” said Bruno Munier, Equipment Manager for the east of France at Colas Group. That’s close to 3,300 hours every year. “If one machine goes down, production can completely stop, so we need to proactively replace

our machines.” Such was the case for two Cat 777D at Carrières de Trapp quarry, owned by Colas East.

Ideally, the machines would be replaced at the end of their first lives – between 12,000 and 15,000 hours. Caterpillar,

however, proposed a much less demanding alternative, in both capital investment and time. It was the second of the three Cat rebuild solutions, a CPT+. “Having the two CPT+ was the perfect solution,” said Bruno. “This way we could have the powertrains rebuilt and specify other areas and components we wanted refurbished.”

LIKE-NEW PERFORMANCE“The 777D CPT+ rebuilds were performed for 50 percent of the new price. They had between 20,000

and 22,000 hours on them. Today, they’re approaching 25,000 hours. It’s like getting two machines for the price of one,” Bruno said with a smile. “That’s significant when economic conditions aren’t ideal. It means we can allocate budget elsewhere.”

Not only is a rebuild a much smaller investment over a new machine, equipment that goes through a Cat rebuild program can perform the same duties as when new. And, should it ever come time to sell, having that certification can increase a machine’s value. “I’d much rather sell, or buy, a machine with a Caterpillar rebuild certification,” Bruno said.

MINIMIZING DOWNTIMEThe Carrières de Trapp quarry relies on performance and maximum up time. So opting to implement successive CPT+ rebuilds on two of their four 777D meant machine delivery was no more than three months for each. Bruno agreed. “Having two 777D go through a CPT+, one after the other, meant we could keep three

14 Cat® Magazine

Page 15: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

1, 2, 3. A Cat® 777D during the different stages of a Certified Powertrain + rebuild.

4. Bruno Munier, Equipment Manager, Colas Group for the east of France.

working and maintain productivity while the other was being rebuilt.”

12-MONTH WARRANTYBesides cost, the most compelling reason for a certified rebuild is the manufacturer-backed, 12-month warranty. An Extended Protection Plan is also available. “It was important for us to have a 3-year/6,000-hour warranty, similar to new machines. We could only get that through Caterpillar. It’s complete peace of mind,” said Bruno.

Caterpillar can guarantee its rebuilt equipment because each is put under extreme scrutiny. There are specific model manuals (developed by Caterpillar), mandatory part replacements, required engineering updates and other compulsory procedures before equipment can become certified. “We value having rebuild solutions fully developed and endorsed by the manufacturer. Cat means quality and certified rebuilds are something the competition doesn’t offer at the moment. We did talk to a different equipment manufacturer about a wheel loader rebuild, but

they weren’t especially convincing and didn’t have a structured solution to offer,” Bruno added.

With the two CPT+ rebuilds complete, Carrières de Trapp received the like-new 777D and dealer representatives went through machine starts with Bruno. “For all intents and purposes, these are new machines. Those rebuilds are ready to run at the exact same intensity and performance level as year one.” ■

THE TWO, 777D CPT+ REBUILDS INCLUDED:• The powertrain (engine, transmission, torque converter, differential, final drives and axles)

• Hydraulics system and cylinders• Welding and reinforcement work on frame and body where required• New cab parts and a new seat

COLAS EAST FACTS:• A subsidiary of Colas• Main activity: road building• More than 3,800 employees• Almost 40 quarries• Cat® machines make up 45 percent of the fleet

Read more at:www.uk.cat.com/parts-service/parts

Cat® Magazine 15

Page 16: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

a ‘try and buy.’ Flygts could try a Cat® 730 Ejector articulated truck for one year as a rental. If they liked it, Flygts could buy it and deduct the rental cost from the

purchase price,” said Anders Carlsson, Product Manager, Pon Equipment AB.

After initially having doubts, it wasn’t long before Peter saw that the Cat 730 Ejector was performing well and had

Flygts excavates and transports natural clay, which is processed to produce Leca for landscaping and house construction. “We were getting a lot of carry-back. Clay is a sticky material, which makes it hard to release a full load. Our trucks were coming back with large amounts of clay still in the body. That didn’t help productivity,” said Peter Flygt, President and Owner.

TRY AND BUY THE TRUCKYou’ll notice that much of the scenario we just outlined is in the past tense. That’s because Swedish dealer Pon provided a solution that solved Flygts’ carry-back problem. “Ejector trucks aren’t too common in this area, but we offered one as a solution. We suggested

EJECTOR TRUCKS PROVE THEIR WORTHClay. It’s wet. It’s heavy. And it sticks to everything – including dump truck bodies. This was the problem Swedish customer Flygts Excavation and Transport AB was having when emptying clay from standard lift-and-tip, 25-ton articulated trucks.

INNOVATION IN MOTION

“Eliminating carry-back is especially important during the winter.”Peter Flygt, Flygts Excavation

Peter Flygt, President and Owner, Flygts Excavation.

16 Cat® Magazine

Page 17: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

many advantages over lift-and-tip trucks. “Our operators were excited about the new 730 Ejector. I will admit I had my doubts. It was a little outside my comfort zone. But I decided to give it a try. I have no doubts anymore,” Peter said.

EJECTOR TRUCK ADVANTAGESThe main benefit of the 730 Ejector for Flygts is that it can easily release a full load with no remaining material. That’s because the ejector blade’s shape matches the inside of the body. When it moves toward the back, the entire load is pushed out. Peter added, “Eliminating carry-back is especially important during the winter. Temperatures can drop to -20° C, so loads freeze quickly, creating large amounts of carry-back. Plus,

we no longer have to take excavators away from their main jobs to clean out the body of standard articulated trucks.”

Other Cat Ejector truck advantages include excellent stability with no need to raise and lower a dump body. Thus, the risk of overturn is greatly reduced, especially in soft underfoot conditions or on slopes. Plus, material can be ejected while the truck moves forward, even on uneven ground, for faster cycle times.

When it comes to productivity, tests show that the 730 Ejector has up to a 14 percent faster cycle time than standard 30-ton articulated trucks in the same application. Also, the spreading capability of ejector trucks can help customers lower equipment fleet costs, with less need for support machines to spread material.

CUSTOMIZED MODIFICATIONWhile the Cat 730 Ejector was the ideal solution for Flygts, one modification was needed to get everything just right. Due to the clay’s wet consistency, and because the tailgate covers just the bottom half, material was being lost during transport. “The clay moves and floats around a lot, so we were losing much of the load just by going up hill,” said Peter.

So, Pon and Flygts worked together to create a high, hinged tailgate that covers the entire rear. “It took some time to get things right. The factory was helpful in the design and making final adjustments. Now the modification works well and even helps increase capacity,” Anders confidently stated. “Plus, Caterpillar has remained interested in the modifications and other customers have visited Flygts to see the tailgate in action.”

730 EJECTOR FLEET ADDITIONFlygts now has two Cat 730 Ejector articulated trucks, and three other standard articulated trucks, that transport clay around the clock. Peter says, “Our first one works very well for us, so we decided to buy another.” Their target is to add a third.

Overall, ejector trucks are ideally suited to the construction industry. In earthmoving applications, where there is a requirement to spread material, few machines can match a Cat Ejector in terms of cycle times, productivity, machine stability and reduced support equipment costs. ■

Learn more:www.uk.cat.com/equipment/articulated-trucks

Patrik Eriksson, operator at Flygts Excavation and Transport AB. Flygts transports clay about 2 km to its client’s factory for further processing.

Cat® Magazine 17

Page 18: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

CAT® MACHINES RECEIVE MULTIPLE AWARDS

Cat® equipment is tough, reliable and even award winning. Recently, Caterpillar received no fewer than eight different awards for several models and series in the Cat line of products.

TOP 100The first were awarded by Construction Equipment magazine, in December 2012, for the year’s 100 most significant new products. Several hundred models from different manufacturers were judged overall. The awards recognize companies that invest in research and development to incorporate innovations and engineering evolutions that create safe and efficient machines. On January 14, 2013, magazine representatives were at Caterpillar headquarters in Peoria, USA to present the awards. Caterpillar received a total of six awards for the following equipment:

• 924K, 930K, 938K wheel loaders• 994H wheel loader• Series K2 crawler dozers• 950K wheel loader• E Series mini excavators• F Series backhoe loaders

INNOVATION AWARDSIn January 2012, Equipment World honored Caterpillar with two Innovation Awards for the Cat 966K XE wheel loader and the first Cat® 336E H hybrid excavator. The 336E H captures energy when the machine slows down or stops, and then releases it as the machine accelerates, which helps it use 25 percent less fuel than the standard 336E.

Caterpillar first won an Innovation Award in 2004 for the ACERT™ engine. Last year, 2012, is the first time Caterpillar has won two awards in one year.

Both the Innovation Awards and Top 100 show that Caterpillar is at the top of its game when it comes to product innovation, lowering customers’ owning and operating costs and decreasing the carbon footprint. ■

994H 950K924K 420F D6K2 308E

18 Cat® Magazine

Page 19: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2
Page 20: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

The new front loader is called the Cat® 986H. “Our 988 series was very successful. But as the 988 got bigger, we responded to customers who asked for a machine more in line with the original series,” said Todd Tuntland, Product Application Specialist. “So that’s exactly what we did.”

A WARM WELCOMECaterpillar launched the new Cat 986H

during Bauma China 2012. The machine will be available for sale early in the third quarter of 2013 in select regions, including South America, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East (AME) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

“SMALL” LOADER, BIG HEARTThe 986H is the smallest in the Cat large

wheel loader product line. At an operating

weight of 42,225 kg, it’s a lightweight workhorse designed for a variety of applications.

“We wanted to create a machine not limited only to customers who run load-and-carry type operations or who have lower production needs than what a 988K would be for,” said Todd. “The 986H is versatile and dependable. It’s perfect for many applications and will operate over multiple lives.”

Here are some applications Todd mentioned and how the 986H matches up:• Quarries and aggregates – for smaller benches, a match for the 770G

• Underground mining – excellent turning radius and ceiling clearance, ideal for tight spaces

• Limestone/block handling – fills the gap between the 980 and 988 models

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO LOVED THEIR CAT® 988B OR 988F FRONT LOADER, THERE’S GOOD NEWS. THEY’RE BACK – WITH A DIFFERENT MODEL NUMBER AND IMPROVEMENTS.

THE CAT® 986H, A LEGACY REBORN

20 Cat® Magazine

Page 21: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

986HINNOVATIVE MACHINE MECHANICS

The machine’s innovations are also impressive. For example, a torque converter lock-up clutch, which comes as standard, eliminates converter losses and lowers system heat. The results are improved travel speed, reduced cycle times and significant fuel efficiency gains in load-and-carry operations.

Plus, a best-in-class planetary powershift transmission (with four forward gears and three reverse) provides smooth shifting and efficiency. In conjunction with the transmission, the neutralizer pedal gives operators full power to the implement system while the machine is stationary.

The 986H uses axle shaft, oil-enclosed disc brakes. Made by Caterpillar, the system dissipates heat exceptionally well and is designed for performance, a long service life and serviceability. On conventional brake designs, it’s necessary to break the final drive for service. On the 986H, the final drive and hub are removed intact for easy brake disc replacement.

Z-BAR LINKAGEThe 986H uses a z-bar linkage with two, solid-steel

lift arms, similar to the 988K. This was done to increase application flexibility and visibility to the bucket.

The standard linkage, with a rated payload of 10 tonnes, is ideal for trucks such as the 770. On the other hand, the high-lift linkage, with a rated payload of 9.5 tonnes, has greater lift and reach and is best suited with trucks such as the 772.

Both linkages can accommodate different buckets. “We have a variety of buckets available that start out at 5.4 cubic meters and go up to 6.1 cubic meters,” said Todd. “But, if customers want something else, we can build a bucket to suit any application.”

OPERATOR COMFORTThe 986H is hard working on the outside and

comfortable on the inside. A redesigned operator station is full of customer-inspired features.

There’s automatic temperature control, a pressurized cab with filtered air and a Cat Comfort Series III seat. A heated seat is available as an option. There’s also a seat-mounted implement pod so

controls move up and down with the seat, low-effort steering and a transmission auto-shift function.

FUEL EFFICIENCYAnother 986H benefit is fuel efficiency, thanks to

its lightweight – about 9,000 kg less than the 988K, depending on the configuration. Additionally, features such as the load-sense hydraulic system, torque converter lock-up clutch and efficient C15 ACERT™ engine maximize fuel efficiency and productivity.

GOING TO MARKETIn the AME/CIS region, Cat machines have a

reputation for durability and value. Perhaps that’s why many customers have rebuilt their 988 models over and over again. Now, however, there’s the opportunity to acquire a new machine in the same class size. ■

“For those wanting a machine that’s not too big or too small, the 986H is ideal. It’s productive, durable and simple,” said Todd. “We wanted to give customers and operators a machine they were familiar and happy with. I think both will be excited that an improved version of the 988F is back as the 986H.”

Additional details at: middleeast-africa.cat.com

“WE WANTED TO GIVE CUSTOMERS AND OPERATORS A MACHINE THEY WERE FAMILIAR AND HAPPY WITH.”

Todd Tuntland, Product Application Specialist

..........................................................................NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION // 986H

Cat® Magazine 21

Page 22: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2

PAVING MACHINES

OPERATOR SAFETY TIPSEven though Cat® equipment can perform hundreds of jobs, our single, most important job is to make sure people go Safely Home. Everyone. Every Day.™ That’s why we’re committed to providing safe equipment and offer personalized, on-site operator training and certification, jobsite improvement projects and safety culture solutions.

Beyond the job site, Caterpillar Safety Services also has a wealth of free safety resources online at SAFETY.CAT.COM™. There, customers can take advantage of a vast library full of industry- and machine-specific material as well as a multitude of other safety tools, multimedia, guides and training courses. ■

Learn more at: safety.cat.com

CLOTHING• Don’t wear loose clothing that can get caught

in moving parts and on control levers• Don’t forget, wristwatches and

rings can also get caught• Secure articles in shirt or jacket pockets• Always wearing proper protective gear, such

as eye and ear protection and safety shoes

TIRES• Servicing and changing tires and

rims can be dangerous• Only trained personnel should

perform these tasks• Always follow correct procedures,

assemblies can burst with explosive force• Use nitrogen, rather than air, to reduce

the potential for a tire to explode• Nitrogen helps prevent oxidation, which leads

to rubber deterioration and rim corrosion

PARKING• Always park machines on a level surface• If a machine must be parked on a slope,

position it so the tracks or wheels are at a right angle, compared to the slope

• When operating a screed, lower it to the ground

• For all equipment, ensure the parking brake is on and the control light is illuminated

TRAPPED HYDRAULIC PRESSURE• Releasing hydraulic pressure can cause

sudden machine or implement movement• Use extreme caution when disconnecting

hydraulic lines or fittings• Released high pressure can cause

hoses to whip violently and spray oil

CLEANING WITH PRESSURIZED AIR AND WATER• Always wear protective clothing,

shoes and eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield

• Maximum air pressure, no more than 205 kPa (30 psi) when the nozzle is deadheaded and used with a chip deflector

• Maximum water pressure, less than 275 kPa (40 psi)

22 Cat® Magazine

Page 23: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2
Page 24: Cat magazine 2013 issue 2